With Ssegirinya’s charges dropped, what’s next for Allan Ssewanyana?
The International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala has formally withdrawn murder and terrorism charges against the late Kawempe North MP, Muhammad Ssegirinya, following his passing on January 9, 2025.
However, his co-accused, including Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana, still face trial for their alleged involvement in the Masaka machete killings.
During a court session on Monday, Ssegirinya’s defense lawyer, Mr. Samuel Mulindwa Muyiizi, requested the court to amend the indictment to reflect his client’s death. Presiding over the case, Justice Alice Komuhangi Kaukha directed the prosecution to finalize the amendments by April 1, 2025.
While Ssegirinya’s case has been closed, the court ruled that the trial will proceed for his co-accused. Ssewanyana, who is out on bail, faces murder, 15 counts of attempted murder, terrorism, and aiding and abetting terrorism alongside four others—Mike Sserwadda, Jude Muwonge, Bulo Wamala, John Mugera, and Jackson Kanyike.
The prosecution, led by Mr. Richard Birivumbuka, alleges that the group was behind the wave of machete killings in the Masaka sub-region between March and June 2021, which left at least 26 people dead. The case remains in the pre-trial stage before the International Crimes Division.
What lies ahead for Ssewanyana?
With Ssegirinya no longer in the picture, all eyes are now on Ssewanyana, whose legal fate remains uncertain. If found guilty, he faces a lengthy prison sentence. However, if acquitted, he could attempt to rebuild his political career.
His defense team is expected to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and the next court session on April 7-8, 2025, will be crucial in determining the direction of the trial. The case also carries political implications, as both Ssegirinya and Ssewanyana are opposition MPs linked to the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Ssewanyana’s case continues amid heightened political tensions following the March 13 by-election that saw NUP’s Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola elected as the new Kawempe North MP. The ruling NRM has already announced plans to challenge the election results in court.
Meanwhile, concerns remain over press freedom and security forces’ handling of opposition figures, with reports of journalists and supporters being brutalized during the by-election.
As Ssewanyana prepares for his next court appearance, his political future hangs in the balance—will he clear his name, or will he be the next opposition MP to face a prolonged legal battle?
